Police crackdown on illegal e-scooters and e-bikes

People riding illegal e-scooters and e-bikes will be stopped and have them seized as part of a police crackdown on the vehicles across Wiltshire. 

From 1st August, anyone who is stopped riding an illegal e-scooter or modified, high-powered e-bikes can expect to have it seized and destroyed.

The operation is a response to numerous complaints the police have received about them being ridden dangerously and used for associated criminality and antisocial behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Saunders said, “We are aware of the considerable public concern around high-powered e-bikes and e-scooters, which are often ridden dangerously on our roads and pavements.

“We’re also aware of the link between e-bikes, which have often been illegally modified and can reach speeds of more than 40mph and youth violence across the country.

“It is something we have seen in Swindon and the wider county, where they are used to commit serious crimes while also putting the riders of these vehicles and other road users at risk of serious injury. We are determined to clear our streets of them to protect the public.

“Both modes of transport are illegal for a reason. They put pedestrians going about their daily business in danger, particularly when ridden through busy areas at high speeds.

“We know there are many people who use their e-scooters for innocent reasons, such as travelling to work or visiting friends.

“The law is very clear, however, that unless you are in a trial scheme area on an official rented e-scooter, they are illegal to ride in public. There are no such trial schemes anywhere in Wiltshire.

“We also know there is also confusion about the laws around e-bikes and e-scooters, which is why we are running an awareness phase first to educate both riders and buyers of the vehicles, such as parents, of the law surrounding them.

“From 1st August, if you’re seen on one by officers, expect to be stopped and have it seized and as they are uninsurable, you won’t be able to get it back.”